by Uchechukwu Okoroafor, Abuja
Back in February, there was excitement in the air when the Senate Passed the Bill on the establishment of the South East Development Commission. The excitement was not restricted to the people of South East zone, who would be the direct beneficiaries of the bill when it becomes law, but also other well-meaning Nigerians who care about the development of the South East and, by extension, the development of Nigeria.
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The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, had hailed the passage of the bill seeking the establishment of the South-East Development Commission by the Senate, saying ‘although it is coming too late, nevertheless, it is a welcome development as it would help develop the region.’
The Senate had passed the bill seeking the establishment of the SEDC, to be charged with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds from the allocation of the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses, and other infrastructural damages suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war.
On December 21, 2023, at its Committee of the Whole, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who is also the sponsor of the bill, the House of Representatives, unanimously passed it for a third reading and sent it to the Senate for concurrence.
Some of the functions of the commission, when established, include “conceive, plan and implement, in accordance with the set rules and regulations, projects and programmes for the sustainable development of the South East states in the field of transportation, including roads, health, education, employment, agriculture, industrialization, housing and urban development, water supply, electricity and telecommunications; cause the South East states to be surveyed to ascertain measures which are necessary to promote its physical and socio-economic development.”
With the passage at both chambers, a Conference Committee was set up to harmonise differences before it was transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for his assent.
Reacting to the development, the Vice President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, said, “Inasmuch as it is coming late, it is a welcome development because it is part of Gowon administration’s three ‘Rs’ of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Rebuilding after the civil war in 1970 which has never been implemented.”
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who initiated the bill, expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu will assent to the Bill because it will help to rebuild the southeast region which was badly affected by the Civil War.
He stated this while applauding the Senate for passing the Bill seeking the establishment of South East Development Commission (SEDC). Reacting to the development, the Deputy Speaker commended the Senate, saying that the Bill when passed into law and eventually assented by President Bola will help to rebuild the South East region badly affected by the Civil War.
He noted that the passage of the bill is coming at a time when members of the National Assembly from the South East region, led by him, are championing an initiative, known as the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P), a non-political movement using a non-kinetic approach to resolving the problems in the region.
Kalu stated that once the bill becomes law and the commission is established, its impact will be felt around the region, in terms of jobs, businesses, and infrastructural development, among others.
He expressed optimism that President Tinubu will assent to the bill when it is transmitted to him, urging Nigerians to keep supporting the government.
Kalu said, “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate led by the President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for passing through the 3rd reading of the bill seeking the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), which I sponsored. I am equally grateful to my colleagues in the House who in the first supported and passed the bill recently.
“The commission is very important because, when established, it will help in the rebuilding of the post war reconstruction that has not been attended to over fifty years. The Commission shall conceive, plan, and implement, in accordance with the set rules and regulations, projects and programmes for the sustainable development of the South East States in the field of transportation, including roads, health, education, employment, agriculture, industrialization, housing and urban development, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications; and cause the South East States to be surveyed in order to ascertain measures which are necessary to promote its physical and socio-economic development.
“Implement all the measures approved for the development of the South East States by the Federal Government and the member States of the Commission; identify factors inhibiting the development of the South East States and assist the member States in the formulation and implementation of policies to ensure sound and efficient management of the resources of the South East States; assess and report on any project being funded or carried out in the South East States by mineral extracting and mining companies, oil and gas producing companies, and any other company, including non-governmental organizations; and ensure that funds released for such projects are properly utilized.
“It shall further tackle ecological and environmental problems that arise from the extraction and mining of solid minerals and exploration of oil minerals in the South East States and advise the Federal Government and the member States on the prevention and control of oil spillages, gas flaring and environmental pollution; liaise with the various solid mineral extraction and mining companies and oil and gas prospecting and producing companies on all matters of pollution prevention and control; and execute such other works and perform such other functions which in the opinion of the Commission are required for the sustainable development of the South East States and its peoples.”
This commission requires the urgency of now. The people of South East are waiting with bated breath for the president to sign the bill into law. It will be an unquantifiable gift from the president to the region when signed into law, which the president could use to capture the hearts and minds of the people ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Beyond politics, this bill stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to healing the wounds inflicted by the Civil War and fostering cohesion among its diverse populace. Emerging from the shadows of a tumultuous past, this commission embodies the resilience of the Nigerian spirit and offers a beacon of hope for a brighter, more united future.
Decades of conflict, economic disparity, and political marginalisation that left the Southeast region grappling with underdevelopment and disillusionment will be permanently healed. The establishment of SEDC would mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards genuine reconciliation and progress.
One of the most significant aspects of SEDC is its mandate to address the socio-economic challenges facing the Southeast region. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, the commission aims to uplift communities, empower individuals, and bridge the gap between the Southeast and other regions of Nigeria.
By prioritising inclusive development, SEDC would be laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous future for all Nigerians. Moreover, SEDC will play a crucial role in promoting national unity and cohesion.
By acknowledging the unique needs and aspirations of the Southeast region, the Commission would send a powerful message of inclusivity and solidarity. It recognises that true unity cannot be achieved through neglect or marginalisation but requires proactive efforts to address historical grievances and build trust among all segments of society.
Furthermore, SEDC would serve as a platform for dialogue and reconciliation. Through its programmes and initiatives, the Commission would foster constructive engagement between the government, local communities, and stakeholders.
By creating avenues for participation and collaboration, SEDC would promote understanding, respect, and mutual recognition among Nigerians from different backgrounds.
Also, by addressing the socio-economic needs of the Southeast region and fostering inclusive development, the Commission would be laying the groundwork for a more united and prosperous Nigeria.
President Tinubu should delay no further in assenting to this all-important bill, in which one of his staunchest supporters in the South East and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has expressed absolute confidence in the capacity of the President to do the right thing in this regard. Not a few hearts would be broken if this ended up being another unfulfilled dream and a continuation of the marginalization of Ndigbo. However, we are encouraged that, unlike other presidents before him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ‘the Jagaban of Nigeria’ would, in line with his oath of office, do what is in the national interest at all times. And surely, assenting to the South East Development Commission Bill is in the national interest.